Clement Henriksen

Clement (Clem) Bue Henriksen, who built a 37-year career in geographic information systems based on early interests in geography, cartography and computer science, died on Friday, Aug. 21, 2015, at his home in Redlands, Calif. He was 64. Clem’s life was cut short by liver disease caused by a chronic hepatitis C infection and liver cancer. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Whetzel, son Miles Henriksen, two sisters (Teresa and Lise), a nephew (Matt) and niece (Claire). Clem was a native Californian, who enjoyed exploring the state’s natural environment, especially its coast and mountains. He loved traveling in the U.S. and abroad and visiting parks, historical and cultural sites, and museums, especially obscure museums. His early outdoor passions were surfing and hiking, but later took up bicycling, first mountain biking and then riding his recumbent cycle on roads and trails. A proud, self-professed “nerd,” Clem was fascinated by science and technology. He was a regular, volunteer judge at the region’s annual scholastic science fair. Clem was a voracious reader of everything from classic and contemporary literature to science fiction and fantasy and appreciator of fine arts, movies and more. He enjoyed engaging discussions on any topic. He understood the crucial role of journalism and journalists in a democracy. Through his work at Environmental Systems Research Institute Inc. (esri) and, sometimes in support of his wife’s work as an environmental journalist, he participated in workshops instructing journalists on how to improve their reporting with computer-generated maps http://www.sej.org/sej-honors-memory-clem-henriksen. Clem was a 29-year veteran of Redlands-based esri. Previously, he worked as a GIS analyst at BP in Dallas, the Arizona State Lands Dept. and Sohio Petroleum in San Francisco. Born Nov. 9, 1950 to Jens Bue and Eila Henriksen, Clem grew up in Ojai, Calif., attending Nordoff High School. He graduated from San Francisco State University in 1980. Clem was a friend to many and will be missed. A reception to remember Clem will be held 2-4:30 p.m., Sat., Sept. 19, at Redlands Country Club, 1749 Garden St., Redlands, Calif. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to recognize his passing by making a contribution in memory of Clem Henriksen to the A.K. Smiley Public Library for the purchase of new books (Smiley Library Gift Fund, 125 W. Vine St., Redlands, CA 92373) or to the Society of Environmental Journalists, P.O. Box 2492, Jenkintown, PA 19046.

Clement Henriksen

November 9, 1950 - August 21, 2015